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Valor of Vinehill #4

The Devil Baron

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His vengeance depends upon her seduction.
Rafe Somner, Lord Winfred, has been planning, meticulously, revenge for the day his father and most of his men were killed. Vengeance upon the four Englishmen that not only killed his father, but once ruined his life, driving his family out of England. Bloodlust demands the four men will be broken in the most brutal way—by taking their women.

But when Rafe randomly meets Lady Victoria before knowing exactly who she is— the beloved daughter and niece of his enemies—his plans shift. Kidnapping, seducing, and ruining her is a much better plan. The best part? She won’t even realize she is his captive.

It’s only primal lust that drives his decision. He’s not enchanted by her. Not enamored. And he’s definitely, absolutely, not falling in love.

327 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2022

About the author

K.J. Jackson

52 books441 followers

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5 stars
232 (48%)
4 stars
156 (32%)
3 stars
67 (13%)
2 stars
24 (4%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
814 reviews1,193 followers
March 1, 2023
4.5 STARS


...as much as I want you, I cannot lose them. You do this and you will lose me in every way that matters.


Definitely my favorite of the series so far. But at the same time probably the least plausible. Enemies to lovers to the extreme. Which is probably why I liked it so much. It was questionable in my mind whether the author could find a way to bring them back together in the end.

Altogether an exciting book. Hard to put down. The love scenes a little redundant, but not badly done. I'm now fully intrigued to get Desmond's story.
Profile Image for Serial Romance Librarian.
956 reviews233 followers
March 28, 2023
This book had a great premise, but the opportunity for great angst was squandered, imho. Rafe was a complex character with a very interesting and tragic backstory. I really didn’t understand his singleminded need for vengeance considering how his father had treated him though!

Vic was very forgiving and accommodating, not to mention reckless. I liked her, but I wanted Rafe groveling for all he did. Instead he got beat up by the family and that was how it was handled. Not that he didn’t deserve it, but that was a disappointment. Also, there is no way I buy that they could be one happy family after all that!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Maria Dariotis .
770 reviews18 followers
October 10, 2022
OH. MY. GOODNESS!!!! What an amazing book, I could not put this down it was absolutely perfect!

I found myself reading way into the night trying to keep my eyes open with the mantra of just one more page, I need to know what happens next. Will Victoria forgive Rafe will he be able to be trusted again?

Rafe and Victoria certainly go through the wringer but they do get a happy ending. Steam level is off the charts the storyline has lots of twists and turns plenty of intrigue and interesting characters. The dialogue is witty and really captures the readers interest.

This was by far my favourite book I read to date, it’s one that goes on my keeper shelf. This can be read as a stand-alone but I’d definitely read the whole series, because …..why not read about brooding sexy heroes that are brought to their senses by the love of a good woman.

I received a complimentary copy from the author, this is my honest unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Alyssa Grimes.
486 reviews5 followers
February 6, 2024
This was a fun adventurous romance in which he sets out to kidnap her for revenge but unfortunately for him, ends up falling for her:) Rafe and Victoria are perfection and chaotic and made for each other, I was rooting for them the whole time and of course, I always love when a romance starts with a kidnapping lol!
125 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2022
I've read all the Valor of Vinehill and the box of Draupnir series, and on the whole liked them. Yes, there were always pretty steamy sex scenes, but what I don't remember is such a level of explicitly described violence. Not only the actual actions, but also the physical effects they had on the recipient.
It would have been much better to indicate in general terms what was happening and leave the rest to the reader's imagination.
As has been mentioned by other reviewers, it is an action-packed adventure which is exciting, although I struggled at times to understand Rafe's vengeful reasoning. So it is not my favourite KJ Jackson book by a long chalk, and I hope her future output will be more like her latest very good "guardian of the bones " series.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,429 reviews87 followers
October 27, 2022
This is my 27th book by K.J. Jackson. I wrote in my notes, great stories; great sex. Her stories have
more intrigue and suspense. Intricate details. Not my usual light ton reads. Storylines are a bit heavier and of a more serious nature.

I really liked this story. I liked the characters, Rafe and Victoria. I don't remember alot of the history of the characters from past stories. The last Vinehill book I read was almost 3 years ago and 900 books ago and they mention characters from another series and I read that at least 2.5 years ago. It didn't really take away from the read though.

Overall good read.

202 reviews6 followers
October 6, 2022
The Devil Baron is the fifth book in KJ Jackson’s Valor of Vinehill series. It can be read as a standalone series but to get a better idea of events it would be good to have read the previous books in the series as well as the author’s Box of Draupnir series.
Set a few years after the last book ended this follows the story of Lady Victoria, niece of Reinier from The Wolf Duke [Valor of Vinehill] and daughter of Des from The Heart of an Earl [Box of Draupnir], and Rafe Somner, Lord Winfred – son of the villain from the previous books.
Rafe Somner lost everything when his family was driven out of England and his father was killed by four Englishmen. He knew his father was a terrible man but his honour demands he take vengeance. Plotting for years he finally has a way to exact his revenge – he will take their beloved wives and daughter.
But when he unknowingly meets Lady Victoria, his plans change. He will kidnap, seduce and ruin her – and it will be all the easier because she won’t even know it’s happening. Raised to eschew all emotion Rafe knows that it’s not at all anything to do with love. But what else could persuade him to give up all his plans once he spends more time with her?
Lady Victoria has sent most of her life in a gilded cage. Surrounded by the love and protection of her fearsome Uncle and Father she has almost become untouchable and she longs for a chance to find someone she can connect with without fear they are after her dowry. Lord Sumner is the first man who she could converse with that obviously did not realise who she was and she is intrigued and drawn to him.When she is rescued from a kidnapping by Lord Sumner, they are plunged into a road trip alone and unchaperoned in an effort to get back to her father’s house. As they get to know more about one another on the way, Victoria realises this could be the love she has been seeking all her life.
But what will happen when she realises Rafe knows more about the kidnapping of her aunt than she thought? Can she ever trust him again?
This is another fast paced story from KJ Jackson with so much packed into it. Victoria is definitely not your average debutante – she is sweet and protected but knows how to look after herself. As with all of KJ’s heroines she is smart and capable with a core of steel.
Rafe was more of a surprise. Having been raised by a horrifically cruel father he has learnt to bury all his feelings. I loved his puzzlement at his emerging feelings for Victoria – he just can’t understand why he feels compelled to change his plans when he meets her. He is also conflicted when he realises that his vendetta was for no reason – his father did not deserve it.
Even though there is a lot of action in the book I liked that the focus in the first half was on the couple and their feelings for each other. We can see how they fall for each other without distractions.
With this being a KJ Jackson novel there are definitely some fairly squeamish moments. Her heroes and heroines are always put through the wringer in some way – especially the heroines. Even expecting it I do have to say there are some moments towards the end when I did wince at the brutality of it so just a little warning for those that do not know KJ’s works.
I did enjoy this book though and Rafe and Victoria are a great couple. I was generously given an ARC by the author in return for my honest review.
Profile Image for Madoka Kamimura Mason.
314 reviews9 followers
October 8, 2022
K. J. Jackson brings us another installment in A Valor of Vinehill series with Rafe and Victoria. We meet them when Victoria spies Rafe with a lady trying to be discreet out in the gardens during her family party. Victoria is much loved by those surrounding her, while Rafe has been taught the harsher lessons of life. He has figured out a way to make her family pay for their sins against his father and his men. He lures Victoria into a false sense of safety when he "rescues" her and they are set to go to her family for assistance. Along the way, Rafe and Victoria learn much about each other and they even start sharing some parts of their past. But will it be enough for Rafe to stop his plan from its intended bloody end? Will the past still get in the way, or will they be able to work together to forge a new future for them?

K. J. Jackson brings us into their world and we even get to catch up with the other members of her family from the previous books in this series. It is always nice to see how they are faring and what they have been up to since last we saw them. But this story centers around Rafe and Victoria and how their past shaped their present and how it affects their future. Victoria is fiercely loyal to those around her yet is lonely despite being surrounded by many. Rafe is someone who holds things in and has thrown away emotions since they never served a purpose in the past. It was interesting to see these two very different people deal with each other and learn that perhaps they are not so different after all. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank K. J. Jackson for this privilege.
1,376 reviews12 followers
October 6, 2022
VERY SUSPENSEFUL

This story has more twists than the old game twister (yes I'm old). Just when I thought I knew where the story was going, who the real bad guys were, I was foiled again and again.

The h has been sheltered by not only one father, but two - long story. Then you add all the other relatives, the h can hardly breathe, let alone enjoy life. She is sweet and loyal and cares deeply.

Then we have the H and I was uncertain of his true motives until the very end. I understood his need for revenge but also could see the other sides reasons.

Story is filled with violence, suspense, intrigue and many villains to keep you reading until you ran out of story. The story is more than unique and I appreciated that the story and characters were far from being cookie cutters.

There's very descriptive lovemaking described many times - heat level 5 out of 5 & outside of marriage. I found it filled with passion and love.

Interesting main and secondary characters, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and steam. Story ends at 92% on my e-reader. Some crude words used at times.

I can't improve on the blurb, just giving you some tidbits to decide to purchase this story.

I received ARC, all opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
Profile Image for Martha B..
812 reviews9 followers
October 7, 2022
Light and Dark with an unlikely future.

Lady Victoria is over protected, annoyingly over protected. As much as she desires to break free, she never expects her life to take such a dangerous turn.

Lord Winfred is as dark and cold as he appears. His plans for revenge include a young, innocent and overly protected Lady Victoria. He never expects his life to take such a shattering turn.

At the beginning, the “hero” seemed anything but, however as the tale progressed, his redeemable qualities peeked through. Now Victoria was a likable if a bit rebellious heroine. Between them, there was definitely an explosive amount of chemistry and sexual energy.

The Devil Baron by K.J. Jackson was an absorbing page-turner. It began a bit slow, but as it gained momentum, I could not put it down. I kept wondering how the author was going to pull out a happy ending. No worries, the ending was definitely happy.

Content 411: This book contains secular and religious swearing, seven “f” vulgarities and anatomy slang. This book also contains explicit sex and some violence.

Disclosure: I received a complementary ARC of this book from the author via BookFunnel. I am voluntarily submitting my honest review.
February 12, 2024
4.5
In most HR in which the Hero is out for vengeance, he gets the h after making her suffer and I never really feel like the H did enough to deserve the love of the h. NOT IN THIS BOOK...
This HR is a bit dark - light grey.
The Hero is this book took me to another level of love and commitment - why do I say this? He really takes his vengeance to heart and sort of fulfills it, but he doesn't walk out unscathed. He redeems himself big time and that's why I LOVE this book... Bravo!!!!
This was such a great read- packed with action and emotion- The Hero, Rafe, needs to avenge the death of his father and men, the heroine, Victoria, is the key to getting those responsible, she will be Rafe's path to sweet revenge.
This story has some of my favorite steamy moments, love the tension and the release.

2,174 reviews22 followers
October 6, 2022
This was a riveting read. Talk about tension! KJ Jackson really know how the build up the tension. It was so tense that I had to put it down at times, but not for long as I was anxious to see what happened. Rafe was a sort of anti-hero, given his back story, it wasn’t surprising he acted the way he did. However, Rafe did redeem himself and became someone to admire. Victoria was stifled by her over protective relations and although she loved her family, she wanted her freedom. Rafe and Victoria really understood each other and the beginnings of a deeper relationship. However, there are a number of villains and the over protective relatives who are determined to have their way. This was an exciting story with very engaging characters.
4,720 reviews37 followers
October 7, 2022
A flawed man found his soul.
Rafe is out for revenge but taking Victoria just maybe his Waterloo. The men in Victoria life are rather brutal but then they lived in a brutal time. I found the hero and heroine very captivating. Rafe is so flawed and Victoria has been so protected that in some ways is very naïve but still worldly too. They are both very intriguing characters. Her uncles and father are a force to contend with. There is so much I want to say about the book but I don’t want to spoil it for another reader. K.J. Jackson has a winner with this one. I did receive a free copy of this and voluntarily chose to review it.
736 reviews4 followers
October 8, 2022
You might not remember Victoria when she was younger. Let's just say that she was sheltered by everyone in her life. Still is to a point. After her first meeting with Rafe, she is intrigued by him. On their second meeting, the feeling only increases. Their story had so many twists and turns, along with secrets that run deep. They will have many obstacles to overcome. That can only happen if they admit to each other, and themselves, how deep their feelings are. A spectacular addition to the series. It can be read alone, however, I definitely suggest reading the others for more understanding of the characters. I received an early copy and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Alayna Mollick.
26 reviews
January 9, 2024
Picture me shocked. I did not expect this book to be good. Sorry to the author, I’m just not typically a fan of historical romance… usually it’s a lot of fluff, spicy parts and overuse of historical names like “viscount” etch this book surprised me, I actually found myself staying up late to finish it because I needed to know how this was going to go. You think you’re reading about some helpless debutante being kidnapped though she doesn’t realize she’s kidnapped and then she surprises you and is a fighter and capable of taking care of herself. What started out as a “I’m helpless, save me” turned into “I can take care of my damn self thank you very much” and I appreciated that.
1,240 reviews4 followers
October 15, 2022
One of the best yet

Fast paced, wonderful page turner from beginning to end. Well rounded characters and storyline with no cheating or cliffhanger. Victoria is a woman who her family loves, but treats her like a child because they are trying to get time back from the past. Rafe was raised by a wicked soulless man understanding a falsehood as the truth. To gain justice Rafe puts in motion a plan that he adjusts after meeting Victoria. A journey worth taking that leads to the beginning of a happy ever after. Enjoy 🤓
Profile Image for Nicole.
16 reviews
December 17, 2023
I balled like a baby!

For me this was everything I search for in a book. A love so deep that they would do anything for one another. So many times you could feel how deeply they felt for one another, you could feel the pain and torture and their deep love that you just can’t help the tears from falling. The connection of these characters felt so real you could not doubt their love for one another. This will be one of my favorite rereads when I need all the deep deep feelz.
Profile Image for Diane.
79 reviews1 follower
December 19, 2023
I gave 5 stars each to the other books in this series, but after reading The Devil Baron I'm tempted to go back and see if I overlooked the abject cruelty that made me wish I had not read this one. The characters were likeable and the writing is excellent... hence the generous 2 stars. My threshold for tolerating brutality was definitely crossed, multiple times. I'm hoping the imagery the writer evoked fades quickly.
Profile Image for C Joy.
1,772 reviews65 followers
January 7, 2024
Unexpected

I didn't read the description of the story because I want to be surprised... And I was!

There was a lot of darkness and violence uncommon to historical romances stories and I loved it.

We have a tortured hero who's numb and a feisty heroine who's emotional and expressive. She's independent and decisive too, even with all the innocence.

If you're looking for something wholesome and cute, skip this one.
781 reviews1 follower
January 29, 2024
Revenge vs love.

Rafe is seeking revenge for the death of his father. Even though there was no love for his father, revenge was expected in his world. Victoria was the way to get that revenge against her father and uncles. However, he did not expect to feel anything for her. A foreign emotion for him in his emotionless life. Great story with familiar characters from past books.
October 11, 2022
A dark, emotionless male inserts into the large family of Victoria. This large extended family has made enemies and this story brings some together. Sometimes scary. There are many twists and turns that you can’t be sure who to trust but in the long run love can change things. I’m an ARC reader and get my book free but would buy this one if I hadn’t gotten it.
336 reviews
January 14, 2023
I liked the story up to the ending. I didn’t like the ending. Rafe should have had a different way out of his mess. Any Medieval story you read where the bad guy “messes with your woman” would be killed. Rafe impacted 3 of them and yet the men never killed him? The hero being beaten to a pulp for his crimes just didn’t feel like a hero to me in the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews
December 17, 2023
Steamy, swashbuckling, romantic tale

If this wasn't a soft porn story, I would have really enjoyed this book. But, sadly, I had to skip much of the story of Victoria and Rafe. Too much descriptive sex in between the real premise of the tale to my taste. So, I won't be recommending any of this author's books to my fellow readers.
Profile Image for Kathryn.
Author 4 books17 followers
February 9, 2024
This book was a bit violent, and I didn't completely understand the hero's determination to exact revenge. But I enjoyed the chemistry between the hero and heroine, and I liked the hero's willingness to put himself completely at the mercy of the heroine's family for the wrongs he had committed to win his redemption and have the woman he loved. A grand gesture, for sure.
Profile Image for Aj.
1,953 reviews
October 6, 2022
This was all about angst, desire and an everlasting love that was worth everything. I was riveted and loved every page. Rafe and Victoria are amazing characters, strong and driven. Their journey isn't easy, it's captivating and one for romance readers that love lots of angst amongst the romance.
935 reviews4 followers
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November 23, 2022
Race and victorua

Wonderful read by thus author as she never disappoints. Victoria wants to be her own woman but her two fathers still just think of her as a young child. The book has mystery ,intrigue ,love and so much more. they get their HEA ,would highly recommedd.🙂
D
1,144 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2023
Captive love

The story of Victoria and Rafe, it has it all. Kidnappings , and murder. Lies upon lies.
Strong family bonds. And a family that loves
Unconditionally. And above all, a love, that is all consuming.
Thank you ❤️
113 reviews2 followers
February 2, 2024
hurtful

He uses her, hurts everyone in her family. Still, she wants him? That’s not love. Typical trope of the more he abuses her, the more she wants him. Twisted. And, the revenge part was stupid - he should be thanking her family for saving him from his father. DNF
1 review
March 20, 2024
New twist on romance, nice

The book drew me in quickly. Had some twists from the usual. A smart and capable female. Liked all the women in the book. Each a story of their own to unfold. Stubborn males. Good story.
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